Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: WWhiskey on February 20, 2015, 08:30:52 AM

Title: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
Post by: WWhiskey on February 20, 2015, 08:30:52 AM

“Anti-aircraft gunners, who stayed behind when the infantry withdrew, played a vital role in preventing a major German breakthrough in Belgium. … One battery, commanded by Lt. Leon Kent of Los Angeles, knocked out five tanks, including one King Tiger tank, in two hours.”


http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/leon-kent-who-stopped-a-line-of-tanks-at-battle-of-the-bulge-dies-at-99-1.330571

Title: Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
Post by: Ratsy on February 20, 2015, 08:52:44 AM

Great find, Whiskey.  I didn't know that the AA battalions also had a counter-battery mission until I was researching my uncle's unit, 457th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion, 16th AAA Group, 49th AAA Brigade, 1st Army (Bradley, then Patton). 

I certainly didn't know about Kent's unit taking on a column of tanks!  I wish his memorial had provided information about his unit.

My uncle, awarded a Silver Star, was killed in one of the Saar river fights on December 12th, 1944.

Every time I learn something about these men, and their war, I am humbled.

 :salute

Title: Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
Post by: Nypsy on February 20, 2015, 02:03:29 PM

 :salute

Title: Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
Post by: Maverick on February 22, 2015, 12:29:52 PM

RIP Sir, thank you for our freedom.  :salute

Title: Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
Post by: Dichotomy on February 22, 2015, 06:15:31 PM

 :salute

 :pray